Diagnosing Brugada Syndrome
Diagnosing Brugada Syndrome typically involves a two-phase process. Initially, doctors will conduct a 12-lead ECG (electrocardiogram) to monitor the heart’s electrical activity. As Brugada Syndrome is classified as a sodium channelopathy, a condition that affects the normal functioning of sodium ion channels, doctors may administer medication to induce the Brugada pattern. This pattern will then be visible on the ECG print-out, aiding in the diagnosis. In addition to the ECG, doctors may also order laboratory tests and genetic testing to further confirm the diagnosis. However, if the results from the ECG are inconclusive, doctors may recommend an EP (electrophysiology) test. During this test, catheters are inserted into the heart to obtain a more detailed assessment of its electrical activity.
Who is at Risk for Brugada Syndrome?
Brugada Syndrome can affect both men and women, but it typically becomes evident after the age of 40. However, studies have found that men are five to eight times more likely to develop this disorder. Moreover, Brugada Syndrome is more commonly observed among individuals of Southeast Asian and Japanese descent. Although it is uncommon for Brugada Syndrome to be diagnosed in younger individuals and children, research indicates that it can manifest in two distinct ways. One is known as sudden unexpected nocturnal death syndrome (SUNDS), which causes cardiac arrest during sleep in young people from the Southeast Asian population. The other manifestation is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which occurs in children under the age of one.